We are having ceramic tile installed over vinyl (on a concrete base) in our bathroom.
My flooring guy who has done a bunch of terrific jobs for us wants to use mastic instead of thin set.
My wife has this impression that thin set will be better if we ever have to replace the floor.
Also that "the tile manufacturer may recommend thin set" although we have no evidence of this.
My guy says whichever way you do it it will be a pain to remove.
I want to go with the expert who has installed hundreds of floors. Has my wife a point?
Thanks - p

Bob Mariani

02-16-2009 05:01 PM

Remove the vinyl tile first. Use thinset on floors not mastic.

Floorwizard

02-16-2009 05:04 PM

If your going to install over sheet Vinyl you might as well use chewing gum.
The results will be bad no matter what you do.

If you want it done according to the Tile Council of America then follow the advice that Bob just gave you.

ph3iron

02-16-2009 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floorwizard
(Post 231333)

If your going to install over sheet Vinyl you might as well use chewing gum.
The results will be bad no matter what you do.

If you want it done according to the Tile Council of America then follow the advice that Bob just gave you.

Boy - you guys are fast - thanks - p

rusty baker

02-16-2009 05:32 PM

Never use mastic on a floor.

JazMan

02-16-2009 09:57 PM

Get a different tile guy.....Keep the wife! :thumbsup:

Jaz

ccarlisle

02-17-2009 08:56 AM

Just so you know, 'mastic' is an organic adhesive that dries by evaporation of a solvent. Water resistance and bond strength is dependent on type and product. May require extended curing times and are not recommended for floors..." from TTMAC.

Thus the only areas where an organic adhesive may be recommended is a backsplash in say a kitchen. Nowhere else. Using thinset allows you to put down a waterproof membrane (with thinset), then set the tiles on that(with thinset) all in the same day - no waiting around for some solvent to evaporate. Get a better job with no potential for mould growth.

Number of jobs done is no substitute for jobs done right.:yes:

Oh - and really impress your wife by not allowing tiles to be placed over vinyl. You'll thank us for telling you this years from now.